MUMBAI: The popular music based reality show American Idol, which airs on US broadcaster Fox will be syndicated through an agreement between Tribune Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment.
The one-hour, weekend series American Idol Rewind will premier with the first season of American Idol in September 2006. American Idol Rewind will retain its irresistible competitive spirit but will be a streamlined, enhanced programme offering never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes facts and details and a distinctive look.
The series is being sold on all barter, double run basis with a Fall 2006 availability. Tribune is representing station and ad sales. FremantleMedia North America and 19 TV are producing the series.
Tribune Entertainment president and CEO Dick Askin says that American Idol Rewind has already been cleared on Tribune and Sinclair stations representing 55 per cent of the country and nine out of the top 10 markets.
He says, "American Idol Rewind combines all of the characteristics of elite off-network weekend successes including being a smash hit in primetime; having dual female and male appeal and enjoying substantial momentum going into syndication. American Idol continues to be the ultimate television brand and its value to stations across the country should be exceptional."
FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz says, "Our weekend series will complement the primetime airing of American Idol on Fox stations and will enable more stations to capitalise on the Idol phenomenon."